Jeremy Treat, a pastor at Reality Church and theology professor at Biola University, dives deep into the doctrine of atonement. He unpacks how atonement connects with Christ’s mission and the Trinity's role in salvation. Treat emphasizes the significance of penal substitution, arguing it’s central but just one part of a broader narrative. The discussion also touches on the importance of reconciliation among believers and how preaching can deepen understanding of Christ’s multifaceted work. Essential resources for further exploration are also highlighted.
The atonement is a comprehensive doctrine that emphasizes Christ's life, cross, resurrection, and the broader narrative of reconciliation with God.
Understanding the atonement as both individual salvation and communal identity highlights the importance of relationships and unity among believers.
Deep dives
Understanding the Doctrine of Atonement
The doctrine of atonement is fundamentally about how Jesus addresses humanity's sin to restore unity with God. It emphasizes that sin separates individuals from God, and the atonement provides a pathway to reconciliation, encapsulated in the idea of becoming 'at-one' with God. Central to this doctrine is the significance of Jesus' death, but it also challenges listeners to consider the broader narrative of Christ's work, including his life, incarnation, resurrection, and ascension. Understanding atonement in this comprehensive way allows a deeper appreciation of the complexities involved in Christ's sacrifice and its implications for believers.
The Centrality of the Cross in Atonement
While the cross serves as the climax of atonement, it is also part of a continuum that includes Christ's entire life and ministry. The cross cannot be isolated from the events surrounding it, such as the incarnation and resurrection, since each component plays a crucial role in the divine plan of salvation. This concept encourages a more holistic view of Christ’s redemptive work, where the significance of the cross is understood alongside its relational and historical context. This multifaceted understanding avoids the error of reducing the cross to a mere symbol and reaffirms its vital importance in the Christian narrative.
The Atonement's Broader Implications
The atonement accomplishes not only the reconciliation of sinners to God but also the union of all creation with Him, signifying the restoration of both heaven and earth. This broader perspective is essential, as it recognizes that the mission of Christ encompasses the renewal of all aspects of creation, rather than just individual salvation. The podcast highlights the significance of understanding the atonement as part of a four-chapter story: creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. Such an understanding enriches both the theology and practice of faith, encouraging believers to participate in God's comprehensive restoration plan.
Living in Light of the Atonement
Believers are called to embrace their identity as a new community formed through the work of the cross, which reconciles not just individuals but creates a unified body of Christ. This recognition leads to practical implications for how believers interact, highlighting the importance of communal relationships and horizontal reconciliation among themselves. The atonement challenges the notion that community is merely beneficial; rather, it is intrinsic to the message of the cross, fostering an environment of love and unity. Engaging with this truth shapes how Christians live out their faith, emphasizing the communal dimensions of salvation and mission.
In this episode Caleb is joined by Jeremy Treat (PhD, Wheaton College) pastor for preaching and vision at Reality Church in Los Angeles, California and professor of theology at Biola University to discuss the doctrine of the atonement. Together they discuss things like: how the atonement relates to Christ’s kingdom mission, how the atonement is a trinitarian accomplishment, how Christ reconciles God and sinners as well as heaven and earth, why theories or models are reductionistic, how penal substitution is at the center, and Scripture’s multi-faceted approach to explaining the work of Christ.